Parent Movie Reviewby Donna Gustafson

Can you have your cake and eat it too? Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) doesn’t think so. After working hard to reach retirement, he is quite disillusioned by the extra leisure time. Part of the disappointment comes because the widower now has no one to share it with. He is also struggling with not having a purpose in his life. So when he sees an advertisement for a position as a senior intern, the seventy-year-old man jumps at the chance.

Despite being green with high tech gadgets, the grey-haired gentleman charms the personnel at the on-line shopping company and lands a six-week stint as assistant to the owner Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Ben quickly realizes that she is bright, committed and takes a hands-on approach to all aspects of the business. However, she’s a lousy delegator, which means he still has nothing to do.

Summing the patience he has acquired over his lengthy career, Ben quietly observes operations looking for places where he can lend a hand to the enterprise that is growing faster than the staff can keep pace with. He steps in when an opportunity arises to help with chauffer duties, and finds himself in a position where he can watch the thirtyish woman’s personal life too. Predictably Jules’ long work hours are taking a toll on her family. And just as expected, Ben is quick to lend his insight and wisdom to both her professional and personal life.

As a movie, The Intern shines in its portrayal of the value of experience in a world where youthfulness is often given the greater preference. Ben’s dedication and grooming habits bring a sense of maturity to the workplace and class to his slovenly co-workers. It is rather refreshing to see manners and chivalry (like carrying a handkerchief that can be lent to those in need of one) receive a nod of approval and a note of appreciation in an environment that seems to have forgotten how nice those courtesies can be.

Sadly, the story is overshadowed by messages of feminism – some of which feel more old-fashioned than Ben. For instance, a monologue is included that defends mothers in the work place (a common enough circumstance that it hardly seems worthy of another spiteful speech). Girl power is evident in everything from Jules’ unbelievable dream job to her stay-at-home husband (Anders Holm). And instead of exploring ways to achieve a life/work balance, the script preaches the self-fulfilling nature of career ambitions, while diminishing the rewards of family life and the sacrifice sometimes needed to keep those ties strong.

Punctuated with some innuendo, implied sexual relations and plenty of drinking, along with a sexual expletive and finger gesture, the film delivers its foreseeable sentimental ending. Yet despite some feel-good moments, there is still the nagging feeling that the plot ignores the truth: No one (whether male or female) can have their cake and eat it too.

About author

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the
beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates
preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.

The InternRating & Content Info

Why is The Intern rated PG-13?The Intern is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some suggestive content and brief strong language.

Violence:
Men break into a house, with harmless intent, and set off an alarm—they attempt to flee the premises before the police arrive. A woman without a driver’s license takes the wheel from another woman who is driving recklessly.

Sexual Content:
A woman tries to set up a date with a disinterested man and kisses him against his will. Sexual relations between married and unmarried couples (including adultery) are discussed and implied. A man becomes sexually aroused when he is given a back massage. Later he moans while receiving a foot massage, and the interaction between him and the masseuse is misconstrued. A married woman appears to be fondling her husband in bed – they also kiss. A man is uncomfortable when a married woman invites him into her hotel room. A woman is seen in a bathtub (no nudity shown).

Language:
The script includes the use and partial use of a sexual expletive (in non-sexual contexts), one sexual finger gesture, some mild and moderate profanities, and frequent use of terms of deity as expletives.

Alcohol / Drug Use:
Drinking is shown throughout the movie, in social settings and at home. Characters drink in a bar, and one gets drunk (and later vomits). A man drinks on the job.

Page last updated July 17, 2017

The Intern Parents' Guide

What reasons contribute to Ben’s dissatisfaction with retirement? How does attending funerals contribute to his sadness? How common do you think his complaints are? What things do you do that provide a sense of purpose to your life? What things might help seniors feel like their existence still has meaning?

In the script the pressure to find a CEO for her company is making Jules feel like she is incompetent. What conclusions does she reach as the story progresses? Meanwhile Jules’ assistant Becky is also asked to accept extra help. How does it make her feel? Why do you think the solution to Becky’s problem and the concerns are treated so differently than those of Jules? How fair is that representation?

This film is full of product placements, where companies pay to have their products advertised within the film. How many can you spot? How do you feel about this increasingly common practice of commercializing movies?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Intern movie is January 19, 2016. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: The InternRelease Date: 19 January 2016The Intern relelases to home video with the following extras:
- Learning From Experience
- Designs on Life
- The Three Interns